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ok so ive had PF for years now and recently went of 8 weeks of Sporonox tablets(antifungal) which dindt really do anything especcily for the 'flaking' is now geting worse on my face. this can also lead to hypopigmentation whihch im starting to see. ive been using nizoral cream on my body and that has not really worked and i think its loosing if=ts effectivness. ive been reading up on it and one website says this.
'Ketoconazole kills fungi and yeasts by interfering with their cell membranes. It works by stopping the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. The disruption in production of ergosterol disrupts the fungal cell membrane, causing holes to appear in it.
The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. As ketoconazole causes holes to appear in the cell membranes, essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi and treats the infection.'
the cell membranes are vital for the fungi's survival but what else is ?
they need certain condidtions to survive and if you take away those condiitions they should just die off. what about PH. ive read that most bacteria and funggi dont survive at a ph below 2.5.
A number of factors influence the rate at which bacterial and fungi growth occurs, the most important of which are moisture, temperature, and pH.
im thinking that a low enought ph will just kill the fungi ... what you guys think ?
ok so ive had PF for years now and recently went of 8 weeks of Sporonox tablets(antifungal) which dindt really do anything especcily for the 'flaking' is now geting worse on my face. this can also lead to hypopigmentation whihch im starting to see. ive been using nizoral cream on my body and that has not really worked and i think its loosing if=ts effectivness. ive been reading up on it and one website says this.
'Ketoconazole kills fungi and yeasts by interfering with their cell membranes. It works by stopping the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. The disruption in production of ergosterol disrupts the fungal cell membrane, causing holes to appear in it.
The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. As ketoconazole causes holes to appear in the cell membranes, essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi and treats the infection.'
the cell membranes are vital for the fungi's survival but what else is ?
they need certain condidtions to survive and if you take away those condiitions they should just die off. what about PH. ive read that most bacteria and funggi dont survive at a ph below 2.5.
A number of factors influence the rate at which bacterial and fungi growth occurs, the most important of which are moisture, temperature, and pH.
im thinking that a low enought ph will just kill the fungi ... what you guys think ?
If Sporanox and Ketocnazole cream didn't work at all you don't have Pityrosporum Folliculitis.
Your skin condition is most likely caused by some other fungus or bacteria. Or maybe even demodex mites.
You can use Vinegar over the affected area to lower the pH and make it poor condtions for microorganisms. Give it a couple of months and excpect an initial breakout.
Good luck!
Hello Gang,
I am pretty sure I have PF and I am wondering if anyone has any idea if Ultraviolet light is good, bad or neutral when it comes to trying to kill the yeast/fungus?
Either UV light from a tanning bed or from the sun?
Also what about salt water baths? Does sea salt help at all?
If anyone has any ideas or experience with either of these, please speak up!
Thanks,
BeachBum2000
Does anyone know if anal itch is associated with pf? I've had this problem since I developed pf 6 months ago. I've been using a crack cream that I got prescribed by a dermatologist made up of nystatin, steroid, petroleum, and zinc oxide. It mainly itches after a bowel movement, and this is when I use the crack cream. It relieves it, but the itch eventually comes back until I use the crack cream. It seems to be chronic just like pf. Any suggestions?
I went to a colon and rectal doctor last week for my anal itch. I asked him if this was related to pf. He didn't seem to know if it was or not as anal itch can be associated with many different things. After doing the exam, he said it didn't appear to be candida or a fungal infection. He said it's more likely from something in my diet, especially caffeine. He prescribed me a hydrocortisone cream called proctosol-hc 2.5% to insert in anus twice daily if needed. He also recommended I take metamucil for fiber and gave me a weeks supply of the probiotic supplement align. I quit drinking coffee altogether and so far there has been an improvement with the itching and not having to wipe as much after a bowel movement.
He gave me a list of instructions to manage the itching in the anal area.
1. When showering, don't use soap in anal area. Soap is highly alkaline and the residues collecting in the folds of the skin can cause irritation and alter the normal acidity of the skin.
2. After bowel movements, cleanse the anal area with tucks pads or Balneol lotion.
3. Apply prescribed hydrocortisone cream proctosol-hc 2.5% thinly, following a cleaning and drying routine.
4. Items in the diet that produce gas, indigestion or loose bowel should be avoided. Foods associated with irritation of the bowel, producing mucous or aggravating drainage, include tomatoes (including ketchup), citrus fruits and juices, coffee and tea (including decaf in excess of two cups a day), beer and alcoholic beverages, colas, nuts and popcorn, milk, chocolate, spices (especially peppers).
5. This management program may be reduced or adjusted depending upon the control of your symptoms.
6. Recurrences are common and to be expected.
I went to a colon and rectal doctor last week for my anal itch. I asked him if this was related to pf. He didn't seem to know if it was or not as anal itch can be associated with many different things. After doing the exam, he said it didn't appear to be candida or a fungal infection. He said it's more likely from something in my diet, especially caffeine. He prescribed me a hydrocortisone cream called proctosol-hc 2.5% to insert in anus twice daily if needed. He also recommended I take metamucil for fiber and gave me a weeks supply of the probiotic supplement align. I quit drinking coffee altogether and so far there has been an improvement with the itching and not having to wipe as much after a bowel movement.
He gave me a list of instructions to manage the itching in the anal area.
1. When showering, don't use soap in anal area. Soap is highly alkaline and the residues collecting in the folds of the skin can cause irritation and alter the normal acidity of the skin.
2. After bowel movements, cleanse the anal area with tucks pads or Balneol lotion.
3. Apply prescribed hydrocortisone cream proctosol-hc 2.5% thinly, following a cleaning and drying routine.
4. Items in the diet that produce gas, indigestion or loose bowel should be avoided. Foods associated with irritation of the bowel, producing mucous or aggravating drainage, include tomatoes (including ketchup), citrus fruits and juices, coffee and tea (including decaf in excess of two cups a day), beer and alcoholic beverages, colas, nuts and popcorn, milk, chocolate, spices (especially peppers).
5. This management program may be reduced or adjusted depending upon the control of your symptoms.
6. Recurrences are common and to be expected.
How are you doing in regards to the PF? I'm 20 years old and get the itchy PF/acne on my chest, shoulders and upper back. Got prescribed Accutane the other day and I have the pills in front of me. The derm seemed convinced it was acne even though I told him about the itching and prescribed accutane right away.
However, I'm thinking about one last fight before the accutane and I'm considering Ketoconazole pills 200mg a day for 4-8 weeks. If that doesn't work out I can atleast say I tried everything before going on it.
Can you please post a photo of your body acne/Pityrosporum Folliculitis?
I went to a colon and rectal doctor last week for my anal itch. I asked him if this was related to pf. He didn't seem to know if it was or not as anal itch can be associated with many different things. After doing the exam, he said it didn't appear to be candida or a fungal infection. He said it's more likely from something in my diet, especially caffeine. He prescribed me a hydrocortisone cream called proctosol-hc 2.5% to insert in anus twice daily if needed. He also recommended I take metamucil for fiber and gave me a weeks supply of the probiotic supplement align. I quit drinking coffee altogether and so far there has been an improvement with the itching and not having to wipe as much after a bowel movement.
He gave me a list of instructions to manage the itching in the anal area.
1. When showering, don't use soap in anal area. Soap is highly alkaline and the residues collecting in the folds of the skin can cause irritation and alter the normal acidity of the skin.
2. After bowel movements, cleanse the anal area with tucks pads or Balneol lotion.
3. Apply prescribed hydrocortisone cream proctosol-hc 2.5% thinly, following a cleaning and drying routine.
4. Items in the diet that produce gas, indigestion or loose bowel should be avoided. Foods associated with irritation of the bowel, producing mucous or aggravating drainage, include tomatoes (including ketchup), citrus fruits and juices, coffee and tea (including decaf in excess of two cups a day), beer and alcoholic beverages, colas, nuts and popcorn, milk, chocolate, spices (especially peppers).
5. This management program may be reduced or adjusted depending upon the control of your symptoms.
6. Recurrences are common and to be expected.
How are you doing in regards to the PF? I'm 20 years old and get the itchy PF/acne on my chest, shoulders and upper back. Got prescribed Accutane the other day and I have the pills in front of me. The derm seemed convinced it was acne even though I told him about the itching and prescribed accutane right away.
However, I'm thinking about one last fight before the accutane and I'm considering Ketoconazole pills 200mg a day for 4-8 weeks. If that doesn't work out I can atleast say I tried everything before going on it.
Can you please post a photo of your body acne/Pityrosporum Folliculitis?
My pf has improved almost 100% since I started using otc nizoral shampoo about every five days. I don't get any itching. I usually get one or two red bumps that pop up once a week on my chest, arm pit, neck, shoulders or back. But once I use the nizoral they disappear or dry up. The anal itch and irritation was far worse than pf on the body. So I don't seem to have as bad a case of pf as many others do on this forum. I don't know how to post a photo. I've never done it.
Have you gotten a head to toe physical from an internal medicine doctor with in a year? The type where they take blood, urine and send it to the lab to check your overall health? They should also take a look at your skin condition or any other physical problem you're having. I was so worried about the pf and anal itching that I thought something was wrong with me physically. So I also got a head to toe checkup last month and to my relief everything came back normal except my vitamin D was low and he told me to take os cal vitamin D supplement. He didn't seem too concerned about the anal itching and said it's more common than people think. He even checked my prostate and did a colon cancer swab test as well as tested for prostate cancer in my blood and said everything was fine. He didn't think the pf was anything to worry about as long as I had it under control. If you haven't gotten a complete physical with in a year I would suggest you do so to make sure this is only an acne problem and nothing else.
I'm here to join the folliculitis party. I've been getting these random massive breakouts every few months where I shave. I thought it was acne but just recently realized it was folliculitis.
The derm said it was bacterial. I asked him how he knew, he said he "could tell." Fair enough. He gave me some 3% clindamycin and I picked up some of the pyrithione zinc soap that LQ recommended.
The clindamycin seems to have stopped the spread at this point at least. It's only been two days so we'll see.
Hello Gang,
I am pretty sure I have PF and I am wondering if anyone has any idea if Ultraviolet light is good, bad or neutral when it comes to trying to kill the yeast/fungus?
Either UV light from a tanning bed or from the sun?
Also what about salt water baths? Does sea salt help at all?
If anyone has any ideas or experience with either of these, please speak up!
Thanks,
BeachBum2000
I've broken out in folliculitis while I was tanning regularly so I can't say how effective it will be to treat it that way. It did seem to clear faster while I was tanning, and there are a few papers referencing UV light as a treatment. My case is "diagnosed" as bacterial by my dermatologist, though he didn't test it or anything.
I had a rough day with my anal itch yesterday. It happened after a bowel movement at work. I had to go back a few times after the bowel movement to wipe. This annoying itch just wouldn't leave. Luckily I keep some prescription steroid cream at work and it was instant relief after I applied some about an inch into anus. Aaaaaahhhhhh. The itch was gone.
I also was a little bummed with the pf the other day. I took a shower and applied nizoral on my chest and had my wife apply it to my back. I had one spot that popped up on my chest, and my wife said there was a spot that popped up on my back. No big deal. What bummed me out was after I got out of the shower I noticed two huge red bumps on each side under where the tricep rests on the upper side of the trunk. I completely missed it. Does anyone ever get scared that this is possibly a life time condition?
hi guys, i've had pf for approximately 2 months, sometimes it gets better sometimes it gets worse. just two days ago, i was back on oral nizoral (ketoconazole) AGAIN, but my pf still itches!! i wonder how long it took for your pf to clear after taking oral ketoconazole??? another thing is that i recently bought a bottle of nizoral 2% and i'm just wondering whether i can use it everyday or only 1/2 times per week??
i relli wna eradicate this damn thing FOR GOOD!! please tell me HOW... i'm also trying to stay off sugar... THIS SUX... i can't even work out coz it gets WORSE after i sweat so much... i'm not fat, but i gain weight really easily if i don't exercise... so plzzzz help meeee.....
i don't want to live with this for the rest of my life.... 
thnx peeps!!
ps. my derm prescribed me 200 mg ketoconazole to be taken every day for 1 week after breakfast. is that sufficient in clearning up my pf altogether?
I have had skin problems for over 10 years.
I have been to 5 dermatologists. 4 General Practice and 3 Internal Medicine Physicians.
None of them have given anything to help over the 10 years.
_________
Background:
Severe Dry Skin
Hair Follicle problems thigh/chest for first 8 years
Hair Follicle problems thigh/chest/stomach/behind knee/back/and the face that itches last 2 years.
_
Tried these in stages until i gave up and moved to another product in search of relief.
Over the counter:
Hydrogen peroxide applied with cotton - no improvement no result
Rubbing alcohol applied with cotton - no improvement no result
Tetrasil - no improvement no result
Apple Cider Vinegar - applied cotton/bath soaks - no improvement no result
Epsom Salt - rub granules on wet skin rinse - improved dryness no result for follicles.
Zeasorb-AF powder - applied to areas prone to moisture - no improvement no result
staphaseptic - applied to each follicle - no improvement - no result
bacitration - applied to each follicle - no improvement - no result
lotrimin ultra - applied to each follicle - little improvement - no true result
lotrimin spray - spray affected areas on body twice a day - moderate improvement - no result
skin aid nuetrogena - applied to each follicle - little improvement - no true result
scarzone a - applied to each follicle - no improvement - no result
scarzone - applied to each follicle - no improvement - no result
drawing salve - applied to each follicle - flattened - no true result
clean &clear spot treatment - applied to each follicle - no improvement - no result
campho phenique - applied to each follicle - no improvement - no result
whitfields ointment - applied to each follicle - no improvement - no result
kerasol - applied to each follicle - no improvement - no result - less redness
bag balm - applied to each follicle - no improvement - no result
sulfur 8 - applied to each follicle - no improvement - no result
diaper rash ointment (zinc oxide 40%) - improvement healed faster - no true result
oxy deep pore treatment - applied to each follicle - minor improvement - no result
sea breeze - applied to each follicle - minor improvement - no result
clean & clear persagel - applied to each follicle - moderate improvement - no result
cats claw supplement - taken as directed - no improvement - no result
biotin - no improvement - no result
black walnut hulls- minor improvement - no result
capryl - no improvement - no result
olive leaf - no improvement - no result
b complex - no improvement - no result
folic acid - minor improvement - no result
cal mag zinc + d - moderate improvement - no result
echinacea goldenseal - minor improvement - no result
ester c 1000mg - no improvement - no result
garlic 50mg extract from 5000mg whole clove garlic- moderate improvement - no result
coleus forskohlii extract - no improvement - no result
clinique emergency repair mask - moderate improvement - no result
lancome mask - no improvement - no result
egg white mask - improved skin dryness - no improvement - no result
oatmeal honey yogurt mask - improved skin dryness - no improvement - no result
waxing hair removal - improvement only until the hair grows back - no result
shaving different brands hair conditioner- improved skin dryness - no improvement - no result
shaving with moisture gel - no improvement - no result
panoxyl - moderate improvement - no result
cetaphil antibacterial bar - moderate improvement - no result
theraplex - improvement of skin dryness - less severe breakouts - no result
oil free cosmetics - helped some - no result
_
Prescriptions:
Keflex 500 x 4 a day - minor improvement - no result
Doxy 100mg x 2 a day - flared up big time discontinued use
benzaclin topical - dry skin - no improvement - no result
lactinol e cream - improved skin dryness - no result
hydrocortisone topical - irritated skin - no improvement - no result
clotrimazole betamethasome - minor improvement - dry white dust on skin - no result
vanicream - improved skin dryness - no result
differin gel $170 retail - dry skin - very minor improvement - no result
triamcinolone ointment -heavy ointment - no improvement - no result
clindamycin lotion - scaled skin - dry skin - minor improvement - no result
___
Whats improved follicles less severe from above lists:
diaper rash ointment (zinc oxide 40%) flattens flareups - sleeping cover with cotton/paper tape.
clinique emergency repair mask - gets rid of flakiness heals flareups faster
lotrimin spray -diminishes but does not clear
sea breeze -cleanses not drying
cal mag zinc + d (6 months use)- flares half of what they used to - sometimes clear - come back
garlic
panoxyl bar or cream
cetaphil antibacterial bar (liquid or regular bar will not help)
theraplex lotion - keeps skin moist - hypoallergenic noncomeodogenic fragrance free
cetaphil cream - only when my skin gets really dry scaly from topicals
_
found this forum last night read all the posts:
had some walgreens everyday clean dandruff in the house rubbed on dry skin let sit 8 minutes
turned on water took a bath skin brush got it wet scrubbed well then rinsed off
woke up this morning all the follicles were flat - less red - no night itching halleluiah!
went to the store this morning bought nizoral keto 1% and selsun 3%salicylic acid
applied nizoral dry 10 min wet brush scrub rinsed well - follicles still flat - same redness - no itching but a few spots are hot almost to the point of wanting to itch.
I am hoping this will work and improve this skin problem after everything i have tried im really
hoping this works!
applied theraplex hydrolotion tonight.
hi all,
was hoping to get some advice as I'm at a bit of a loss. I'm 33 and male, and ended up getting folliculitis while I was living in London. It kind of came and went and then would flair up again, but could never seem to totally get rid of it. my skin would be good for a month and then it would break out and take about 3 weeks to clear again.
I saw a dermatologist who said it was folliculitis, and prescribed me Dalicin-T (a topical antibiotic clindamycin) and an anti-microbial emollient called Dermol 500 Lotion. It sort of worked for a while but has now got worse. I'm since living in Tokyo and I'm not sure if it is the humid weather but it seems to be getting worse.
I'm trying to research over the net but cannot figure out if this is a fungal or bacterial infection. how do you know? it seems like you need different treatments depending on this? the folliculitis is on some parts of my scalp, but is mostly on my beard area. I can't tell if shaving or growing a beard helps. I've read that using an electric razor is better so just spanked a lot of cash on one yesterday! Anyway, any tips or help would be fantastic, I really hate this, it's so frustrating that nothing seem s to work!
cheers all
A doctor needs to culture it to tell you if it's fungal or bacterial. You really need to know, because it makes a huge difference in treatment!
UPDATE: Psoriasin is still keeping my face clear of itchy bumps! And now that I've gotten myself out of the sugar habit, it's proving quite easy to stay out.
My hairstylist recommended that I use Redken's medicated shampoo (it contains zinc pyrithione) on my scalp instead of Head & Shoulders. Better formulation, won't wreck my color-treated hair. I bought some, haven't tried it out yet.
carrie54 said:My folliculitis is starting to spread. I am trying to have good hygiene ie) not touching or scratching, changing towels, pillowcases, clothes after one use. How does one keep it from spreading? Also, does anyone have suggestions about what to do to help relieve the itching?
carrie54 - A similar thing happened to me. I took clindamycin 300 mg for a tooth abscess. About a month later I broke out with a pimple-like rash on my chest and back. I also developed anal-itch. After paying hundreds of dollars to two dermatologists with no results, I happened to run across this article [Edited link out].
I can only tell you what worked for me. It doesn't mean it will work for everybody. But what I did is I got off all antibiotics, including clindamycin topical lotion, and used otc nizoral shampoo on my chest/back/neck/shoulders, or wherever the pf was. After getting all wet in the shower, I turn off the water and work up a soapy lather of nizoral on my upper body. I let it stay on for 3-5 minutes while making sure I rub it across all areas of upper body. Then I rinse off and that's it.
Make sure you don't over use this though, as it can cause skin irritation. I now use it once or twice a week, or every three days with no irritation. Every once in a while the red bumps come back, but once I apply the nizoral, they go away. Good luck.
Hi all, here's a little background on my history with PF:
About a couple months ago, after about an hour of sun tanning in the hot California sun, I developed what looked like a rash on my chest. It looked a little like acne but I knew it wasn't (I've had pretty bad acne as a teen). Basically, it looked like red bumps, some of which looked like whiteheads the size of a pin needle. I did some research and tried to figure out if I ate or used something different that might have caused this. The only thing I could think of was the sun tanning because I rarely ever do it. So my next thought was heat rash. I looked it up but the symptoms didn't really match. It eventually went away on it's own after a week. I chalked it up to a random rash and didn't think about it at all again.
About 3 weeks ago, it came back again. Again on the chest and a little on the neck/face. Again I tried thinking about any new soap, detergent, etc I might have started but I couldn't think of anything. Then, while researching online, I came across the term "pityrosporum folliculitis". I looked it up and it was like an "ahhhh-ha!" moment for me. This is what I have! The pictures I saw of PF could have been pictures of me! I read up on the OTC treatments and I've read EVERY SINGLE post in this thread.
To date I have tried Nizoral shampoo, head and shoulders, ZNP bar, and mandelic acid. I've noticed that the ZNP bar and mandelic acid have worked the best for me. My PF is somewhat under control and I have had some flare-ups. My chest right now is pretty dry and irritated right now so I'm going to stop using the OTC meds for a few days and see what happens but I'll keep ya'll posted on my progress.
Thanks for reading.
Hi all, here's a little background on my history with PF:
About a couple months ago, after about an hour of sun tanning in the hot California sun, I developed what looked like a rash on my chest. It looked a little like acne but I knew it wasn't (I've had pretty bad acne as a teen). Basically, it looked like red bumps, some of which looked like whiteheads the size of a pin needle. I did some research and tried to figure out if I ate or used something different that might have caused this. The only thing I could think of was the sun tanning because I rarely ever do it. So my next thought was heat rash. I looked it up but the symptoms didn't really match. It eventually went away on it's own after a week. I chalked it up to a random rash and didn't think about it at all again.
About 3 weeks ago, it came back again. Again on the chest and a little on the neck/face. Again I tried thinking about any new soap, detergent, etc I might have started but I couldn't think of anything. Then, while researching online, I came across the term "pityrosporum folliculitis". I looked it up and it was like an "ahhhh-ha!" moment for me. This is what I have! The pictures I saw of PF could have been pictures of me! I read up on the OTC treatments and I've read EVERY SINGLE post in this thread.
To date I have tried Nizoral shampoo, head and shoulders, ZNP bar, and mandelic acid. I've noticed that the ZNP bar and mandelic acid have worked the best for me. My PF is somewhat under control and I have had some flare-ups. My chest right now is pretty dry and irritated right now so I'm going to stop using the OTC meds for a few days and see what happens but I'll keep ya'll posted on my progress.
Thanks for reading.
I've been dealing with what has been diagnosed as PF for about 3 years. Every summer it seems to come back. BUT, last summer I got frustrated and tried something new, that may work for some of you. It has certainly worked for me... and trust me, I've done about everything.
PF occurs when the pores are occluded by something. This can be sweat, tight clothes, products, lotions... etc. etc.
SO...
#1, Make sure that the shampoo you are using is something like head and shoulders, selsun blue, something non-comedogenic, etc. Some even have a zinc substance in them (which is fine) and they wont clog your pores. That is a common problem and I've noticed that when I change to other shampoos, my bumps come back right away. The shampoo run-off is to blame.
#2, Neutrogena "BODY CLEAR" body wash. This is the one with salicyclic acid, orange stuff. I use it daily. An alternate to Neutrogena is Clean and Clear BZ wash. It is 10%. I actually alternate between these two as daily washes.
#3, ZNP bar is a miracle. I use it every other day or so, leaving it on for a couple minutes.
#4, if you live in a humid climate you can use Gold Bond powder under your clothes. It keeps you drier and won't clog pores.
If you want spot treatment, try tea tree oil on the spots. You might have to dilute it if it makes your skin irritated. ONLY on the bumps, not all over. You will be too dry.
If you have dried out your skin with too much stuff, use Aveno lotions. They don't make it worse. They aren't oily either.
Make SURE you are only wearing cotton clothing, and not tight. This limits what I buy for the wardrobe these days. But its better than getting itchy bumps.
If you notice you have bumps on your face too, use the ZNP bar there too. But not every day. It will probably dry you out.
NO body oils, NO steam rooms, and always wash again after working out, asap.
Drink lots of water to keep your body flushing out toxins like normal and you should notice a difference!
Hope this helps-
My folliculitis is starting to spread. I am trying to have good hygiene ie) not touching or scratching, changing towels, pillowcases, clothes after one use. How does one keep it from spreading? Also, does anyone have suggestions about what to do to help relieve the itching?
carrie54 - A similar thing happened to me. I took clindamycin 300 mg for a tooth abscess. About a month later I broke out with a pimple-like rash on my chest and back. I also developed anal-itch. After paying hundreds of dollars to two dermatologists with no results, I happened to run across this article http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/16713 .
I can only tell you what worked for me. It doesn't mean it will work for everybody. But what I did is I got off all antibiotics, including clindamycin topical lotion, and used otc nizoral shampoo on my chest/back/neck/shoulders, or wherever the pf was. After getting all wet in the shower, I turn off the water and work up a soapy lather of nizoral on my upper body. I let it stay on for 3-5 minutes while making sure I rub it across all areas of upper body. Then I rinse off and that's it.
Make sure you don't over use this though, as it can cause skin irritation. I now use it once or twice a week, or every three days with no irritation. Every once in a while the red bumps come back, but once I apply the nizoral, they go away. Good luck.
mr. pf - thank you for the response and for the article link. It's great you have found something that worked for you. I am still on the antibiotic, but I started using Nizoral (the one with 1%ketoconazole). It's been five days and I haven't noticed a difference. If my pf is indeed fungal then it seems counterproductive to be using the Nizoral while still on an antibiotic. But I have no way of knowing if it's fungal or not. My dermatologist won't do a culture saying it's not appropriate. I set up another appointment for Tuesday to discuss all this.
Just curious, when you went off the antibiotics did you do this of your own accord or with a derm's instructions? How did you determine that it was indeed fungal? I am curious how others knew their pf was fungal and not bacterial as well. I am wanting to go off antibiotics anyway, but then if it's bacterial I feel I should stay on them and give them a fair shot. It's quite the bind. I'm really not sure what the best course of action is. If it wasn't for this board I'd probably still be treating it as acne. I actually read this entire thread. Lots of good info. It helps to hear others experiences and get educated. I am rambling, but thanks for listening.
I went off antibiotics with a derm's instructions. Both derms determined it was fungal. However, the prescriptions they were giving me weren't doing anything to clear me up. In fact, they seemed as clueless as me on what to do. To tell you the truth, I'm not even sure if some of these derms know if it's fungal or not or even what to do if it is or isn't. That's when I realized that I better do my own research and try to figure out how to get rid of this stuff.
But if the derm has you on these antibiotics and it's continuing to spread while you're in discomfort with the itching, then you definitely need to go back and get some answers. If it were me I would write down all your questions on a piece of paper and bring it with you to the derm appointment. Some questions would be: 1. How long will it take for the antibiotics to clear this stuff up? 2. Is this fungal? 3. Is this pityrosporum folliculitis? Just make sure you don't leave the office without having your questions answered.
My theory is if I have to go back twice to a derm and it's still not getting better, then I have to make some other choices. a.) See another derm. Call the best hospital near you and ask if they have a physician referral & information service. If they do, tell this service the problems you're going through with your skin and ask if they could provide you with a good derm. On that very first appointment tell them you want to know if it's fungal or bacterial through a biopsy. Ask them if there's a name for what you have and get it in writing. b.) If it is fungal, get off all antibiotics and try otc nizoral for a month. Use it every day for the first five days. Then twice a week. If that doesn't help, go back to your derm and ask for a precription of 2% ketoconazole cream. Good luck!
I don't have a camera right now but this is the picture I found online that I saw that made me realize I had PF. It may be hard to see but some of those red marks had tiny whiteheads on them. The ones on my chest rarely itched but some on my back did.
An update on my PF:
I've stopped using the ZNP bar and mandelic acid so much and my skin is slightly less irritated and dry. I'm going to try some Adveno lotion but does anyone else have a recommendation of what kind of lotion to use on my PF? I've tried Cetaphil lotion but I'm pretty sure it cause a flare-up of my PF (even thought Cetaphil is supposed to be mild).
Thanks!
people.... have you tried these things:
1. yoghurt - i've heard it works on vaginal yeast infections - will it also work on this thing?
2. aspirin mask?? - it works wonders on acne coz it has anti-inflammatory properties, so will it also work in keeping the redness caused by the swelling of the hair follicles down??
does corticosteroid make pf worse? i just recently switched derm and the new one has been prescribing prednisone. at the beginning there were major improvements, but now the damn thing is back again.
i'm just confused of what i have right now. my pf doesn't itch anymore, but they still come back as dot-like acne. i'm wondering whether now i have acne or pf (although i've never had acne before). so why doesn't it itch anymore??
topicals like nizoral, selsun, h&s never worked on me.... only oral ketoconazole.... i'm tired, desperate, and sick of this thing.... i might as well give the aspirin mask a try.
but please tell me whether corticosteroids make it worse??